When did it become an obsession?

[CorsairMac]

So I got back into riding about August of this year as a bike commuter. Someone here introduced my to BikeJournal.com which is a Great site. Under my profile I could set a goal for 2004. A goal??...Wow...I never thought of that. So I sat down and calculated what I thought was a realistic, achievable goal. As of my ride home last night - I was only 3.35 miles from that goal. With the holidays coming up and my holiday plans I was wondering if I would be able to complete that? Upon awaking this morning, Albuquerque is under a Winter Storm Watch with winds predicted at 30-40 mph this afternoon and possible accumulation. (in Albuquerque??!) I do own a vehicle and I Could have driven knowing it could get really ugly here really fast - but its only 3.35 miles! Thats just about 1/2 my ride 1 way. Just 3.35 miles! Did I ride to work?? Well Yah!!! So when my little daily bike commute become an obsession??

[emily_in_nc]

CorsairMac,

You have been assimilated.....

Welcome - and congratulations on meeting your goal for the year! I just found out about bikejournal.com myself and signed up yesterday. Can't wait to use it!

Emily

[Trek420]

emily_in_nc sez "CorsairMac,

You have been assimilated....."

do not attempt to resist, resistance is futile, there will be no deviation ;-)

[bikerchic]

....at least that's how the obsession with cycling started for me. That was years ago and I've long replaced cycling with the mundane yet I miss it so. I hardly ever drive down a road that I'm not thinking; "this would be a great place to ride"....sigh.

So my new years resolution is to get back on my bike and become one with it again like I used to be, I miss it so and as of late I can hardly walk by the room my beloved bike "Flygirl" is parked in without hearing her call to me, or at least I think she is.

And here's to goals and to making them happen, congrats on meeting yours and keep it up it's fun and good for you too.

Kate

[Dogmama]

Between the weather and my cold bug, I haven't been on my bike nearly enough. When I go into my room and see her hanging on the wall, gears at eye level, I feel the overwhelming urge to drop to my knees:

"Forgive me Campagnolo, for I have sinned. It has been three weeks since I have been on my bike."

[Virginia Collin]

I'm never so happy as when I have completed a beautiful, fresh-air ride on my bike. Since I am now past 60, I enjoy riding in warm weather (who does not?) and would like to have recommendations from all of you about places in California (or oter places if comfortable and beautiful) to ride in winter. I live in north central Illinois, so would like to spend some time during the winter at a place with easy terrain, but nice places for a stop for coffee and people watching. I can't do the over-the-top pricing of resorts, but would like a place where I can ride morning and evening and work for a couple of hours in my office during the day. All replies welcome!

[KkAllez]

Oh boy, I cannot wait until I am that obsessed....or perhaps possessed!

[JanT]

Virginia,
I came to the Phoenix area from Illinois thirty years ago, and I will never move back there. The weather is great in the winter, and to tell the truth, I don't mind the early mornings in the summer, either. It's a dry heat in May and June, but pretty miserable July-September during the monsoon season. The city itself has alot of traffic, but you can find bike paths on streets and even some long stretches of off-road pavement. Although I don't participate in any clubs, there appear to be several active clubs with regularly scheduled rides. If you mountain bike, there are plenty of trails of all kinds. It's a great place to live, and with all the people moving here, most businesses are booming. With all the suburbs sprouting around the main city, there are plenty of places to live that may feel a little less urban.
Maybe you should take some vacations in places you might like to reside. If you come here, rent awhile before you buy, to make sure you can tolerate the summers!

[Ninabike]

Hi Virginia,

I have been off this forum for a few months due to "computer crash and burn".

Southern California has some very nice bike paths, specifically along the ocean in Marina del Rey to Redondo Beach area, and other beaches to the north and south. This is in Los Angeles County. Beauthifu views, mostly flat, places for coffee and people and bike watching. The weather is almost always good in the Winter, except for right now wherein we are having lots of rain.

By the way, I'm 60 too and I try to get in 20 to 30 miles each Saturday and Sunday. My biggest riding accomplishment has been the Rosarita Beach to Ensenada 50 mile ride this past September - very long hill right in the middle!! It was the most difficult ride I have done. Will be doing the Tour de Palm Springs 55 mile ride in February.

Welcome to the forum

NRM

[Virginia Collin]

Hello to Nina and Jan, Thanks to both of you for the great tips. I am looking for a two to three month winter haven and enjoy returning to my green summer climate in Illinois. I plan o check furher about the cycling scene in Phoenix in winter. I had not thought much about Arizona but will look again. I am somewhat familiar with the Redondo Beach area and love the climate there. Now, if I can just find a place to stay that is simple and scenic, I may be off to California. More information and suggestions are welcome. Virginia

[KkAllez]

Virginia, Is Texas an option? The cost of living here is great and it still isn't crowded. I live in west Texas and we can cycle pretty much year around. However, further south, on the coast or places like Bandera (my favorite) it is much warmer in the winter.

[Virginia Collin]

Hi Kim, I can't believe I did not think of Texas. I lived a year in Tahoka many years ago and recall the mild winter but the scenery there was not great. You are more to the south. Can you tell me more about Bandera? I note from my map that it is on a scenic route. With my ability level, I pefer mostly flat trails in safe, populated areas. I hope you are enjoying winter rides there in Sweetwater. Virginia

[Virginia Collin]

Hello Nina, When I wrote yesterday I forgot to say how much I admire your great weekend training schedule and the race you have completed. Good luck in Palm Springs in February. Cycling truly is an obsession! Virginia

[KkAllez]

Bandera looks like Africa. It is not too far from San Antonio. If you want flat you might want to check out the coast. Somewhere along Corpus Christi.

One super nice little city, about 80,000 people, nestled along the Concho river is San Angelo. It is 70 miles south of us. I absolutely LOVED living there. We also lived on the Pecos river near a little place called Girvin, between Mc Camey and Fort Stockton. If you like flat with a bit of rolling hills plus desert environment, long views, mesas, buttes, and rocks, that is somewhere to consider. However, for warm weather ALL winter you'll need to head further south.

As for cost of living, our place in Sweetwater has 8 acres, a spring on the property, a creek bordering it, it came with two horse barns, a welding shop with four car parking, RV parking, tons of gorgeous giant mesquite trees, 2000 sq ft home, with an art studio and a two car carport, plus a garden shed, water well, and more, all for $129,000.

AND Texas still doesn't have a state income tax!

[Virginia Collin]

Kim, Now I know why Texans never leave Texas. Your place sounds like the steal of the century. You have given me so many new ideas I will spend some time checking them out. San Angelo sounds beautiful -- I will be looking it up on the net. Thanks! Virginia